The LF-LC Concept that premiered at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show was a stunner. It was supposed to introduce Lexus’ new design language but the positive reaction and the company’s admission that a coupe has been green-lit point to it spawning a road version.
Only last week, on November 24, Toyota filed to trademark the LC 500 and LC 500h names with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Our best guesstimate is that the LC nameplate is reserved for the production LF-LC and the two designations reveal that it will be offered in gas and hybrid powered variants.
This is mere speculation but it makes sense for the LC 500 to get the 467hp 5.0-liter from the RC F and the RC 500h the company’s hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter V6 and an electric motor for a total output in excess of 500hp.
While the RC F is meant to compete with premium mid-size sports coupe such as the BMW M3, the LC won’t be a replacement for the now defunct LFA but will instead go head-to-head with the likes of Porsche’s 911.
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